“Dancing with the Stars” beloved Judge Len Goodman has died after a battle with bone cancer, his manager announced. He was 78.
Goodman’s agent, Jackie Gill, said that the long-serving judge on the popular reality TV competition had “passed away peacefully” on Saturday night surrounded by family, New York Post reported. Gill also revealed that Goodman had been diagnosed with bone cancer.
“It is with great sadness to announce that Len Goodman has passed away peacefully, aged 78,” Goodman’s manager said in a statement. “A much loved husband, father and grandfather who will be sorely missed by family, friends and all who knew him.”
Len Goodman, the long-serving judge on “Dancing with the Stars” and “Strictly Come Dancing,” has died, his agent says. He was 78. https://t.co/HCz289ml7P pic.twitter.com/UYIBpRv21L
— ABC News (@ABC) April 24, 2023
Goodman also served as a judge on the popular BBC show “Strictly Come Dancing” for 12 years following its launch on the network in 2004, the Associated Press noted.
The British star was a well-known professional ballroom dancer and British champion before he took his skills to the other side of competition, first on the BBC show and next on ABC’s “DWTS” in 2005. He remained as a staple of “DWTS” for 15 years before his retirement in November, Variety noted.
Speaking to the outlet last year, Goodman said that he’s “just a dance teacher from Dartford. Suddenly, I’m thrust into Hollywood. I got the reputation for being the tough judge, because what I see is what I say.”
"I’m just a dance teacher from Dartford," said Len Goodman last year. "Suddenly, I’m thrust into Hollywood. I got the reputation for being the tough judge, because what I see is what I say.” The long-time "Dancing With the Stars" judge has died at 78. https://t.co/9IvnZQz8pw
— Variety (@Variety) April 24, 2023
Following news of his death, those who knew him called him a wonderful person and more.
“More very sad news from the world of entertainment…RIP Len Goodman, 78 – welder, dancer, judge, and devoted cricket & West Ham fan,” Piers Morgan wrote. “Always had a laugh with Len, and swapped a few strong opinions. A quintessential Londoner and a top bloke.”
More very sad news from the world of entertainment…
RIP Len Goodman, 78 – welder, dancer, judge, and devoted cricket & West Ham fan. Always had a laugh with Len, and swapped a few strong opinions. A quintessential Londoner and a top bloke. pic.twitter.com/RXBhLQfSPh— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) April 24, 2023
“Len Goodman will always be an icon in the world of ballroom dance, and we were lucky to have him as part of our ‘Dancing with the Stars’ family for 31 seasons,” the official account for “DWTS” wrote.
Len Goodman will always be an icon in the world of ballroom dance, and we were lucky to have him as part of our ‘Dancing with the Stars’ family for 31 seasons. He was warm and caring, and always delivered genuine guidance. pic.twitter.com/NWxHMD9e7q
— Dancing with the Stars #DWTS (@officialdwts) April 24, 2023
ABC also released a statement that was similar to “DWTS,” calling Goodman an “icon,” Variety noted.
“He was warm and caring, and always delivered genuine guidance,” the statement read. “We are devastated by the news of his passing and our hearts are with his family during this very difficult time.”
The late-star is survived by his wife Sue Barrett and a son from a previous relationship, James Goodman.